Herndon-Reston FISH

HRFISH Assistance programs helped about 2,300 people in all demographics but in predominately very low-income levels in Herndon and Reston, Virginia. HRFISH responded to financial assistance requests for rent, utilities, prescriptions, and other critical needs in order to stop destabilizing events. Over $600k was distributed. To address community needs effectively, HRFISH accepts referrals from social workers in Fairfax County agencies, local schools, hospitals, and other nonprofit organizations. In March 2022, as an existing safety net partner organization and having helped with a previous federal direct assistance program to aid residents in financial distress resulting from the COVID pandemic, HRFISH was asked to help distribute over $3.2 million in Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA2) funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). In June 2023, HRFISH received an additional $600k in ARPA funds for a follow-up program to ERA2 called ERA Bridge1. During the 2023-24 fiscal year, HRFISH distributed over $400k of ERA Bridge1 funds to help 271 individuals. In 2024, HRFISH received $187k in federal ARPA funds for the ERA Bridge2 program; none of these funds were distributed during FY2024.

The Bargain Loft thrift store, a program of HRFISH, provides affordable shopping to the local community. It collects and markets a wide variety of donated items in good condition. Gently used furniture, linens and household goods, women's clothing, and other high need items are sold. Store net profits help support emergency financial assistance programs for local residents in short-term crises.